Nestlé Professional launches Toque d'Or 2021 competition

Nestlé Professional has launched its Toque d’Or competition and hospitality awards for 2021, in a new format and with new opportunities for young hospitality professionals to get involved.

The competition aims to inspire the industry’s next generation and provide them with the key skills required to succeed in their career.

In recognition of the increasing importance of community and inclusiveness, this year’s competition will be open to entry level front- and back-of-house professionals as well as college students and apprentices.

“2020 has been an unprecedented and hugely challenging year for hospitality," says Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I. "Through it all, we’ve pulled together and, now more than ever, it’s important we work as a community to help build a sustainable future for the hospitality industry.”

“Toque d’Or has these aims at its heart. We’re passionate about supporting entrants to develop a wide range of relevant skills to help them in their careers and provide them with the opportunity to work with, and learn from, a number of leading industry experts and businesses throughout the tasks.  

"I’m proud of what the competition has helped past competitors achieve and look forward to seeing this year’s competitors.”

New for 2021, the competition timeline has been adapted in line with college courses, making it easier for lecturers to support students in the process, and to provide the best opportunity to hold the finals and the hospitality awards face-to-face.

All front- and back-of-house apprentices, students and young professionals (commis chefs and waiters) will be given their relevant entry task on 19 February 2021, with submissions to be received on 18 March.

The heats will take place in early April, with finalists announced on 30 April.

The finals and the awards will be hosted in the last week of June, with the awards broadcasted live over YouTube in the third week of July.

Entrants can register via nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor.